Preparing to apply

- Throughout this course, I've been talking aboutworking for on-demand companies in generaland have tried to keep things broad enoughthat you can apply what I've been discussingto different types of on-demand work.But I thought I'd finish up in this chapterby looking at how to sign up to be an Uber driverso we can look at some specifics.Before setting up for any on-demand work though,you'll want to have a couple of documents handy.In many cases, you'll have to go througha background check and other vettingbefore you can be accepted as a worker.In Uber's case, you'll need to be able to uploadcurrent copies of your driver's license,proof of insurance, and state inspectionif you live in a state that requiresannual vehicle inspections.

If you don't, Uber will require you to take your vehicleto one of their authorized mechanics in your areafor an inspection, and you'll need toupload their report to complete your application.So you don't have to have the inspection document on handwhen you're applying, but you will need to send it inbefore you can be completely approved as a driver.But again, if you have a copy of your validstate inspection sticker, you can upload thatwith your other documentation.So ideally you'll want to have these documents readybefore starting the application process.Uber does accept photos of these documents,so you can simply take pictures of themwith your phone, send the pictures to your computer,and have them ready to uploadat the right point in the application.

You could also complete the application processon your phone, for that matter.If you don't have your social security number memorized,make sure you have it jotted down,as you'll need it for the background check portions.And you'll also want to make sure that the vehicleyou intend to drive meets certain requirements.The minimum age of the vehicles can varydepending on your location, but you'll generally needa car that's less than 10 years old.The car also needs to have four doors at a minimum.Your riders aren't going to want to have to waitwhile you hop out of a two-door carto push your seat forward so they can slip in.The car also can't have been salvaged.

But that's pretty much what you'll needbefore you apply to be a driver.Next we'll take a look at the application process.

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Author

Updated

5/26/2017

Released

9/16/2015

Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, TaskRabbit, and other entrants in the on-demand and sharing economies are changing the nature of work. This course helps you understand and prepare for the "gig economy" to earn extra income or pay bills while looking for full-time employment.

Garrick Chow explains the basic structures of the on-demand economy and the skills and characteristics of successful on-demanders, so you can determine if on-demand work is the right fit for you. Then learn about the time commitment and expectations around pay, what the employer provides, and what one can expect from clients. Garrick then discusses tools to keep you organized, including how to best track income and expenses.

Finally, the course offers tips and tricks and a case study based on the author's firsthand experience as an Uber driver.

Topics include:

Preparing to work on demand

Managing expectations from on-demand clients

Tracking expenses and mileage

Optimizing your income

Getting support online

Case study: Becoming an Uber driver

Skill Level Beginner

1h 5m

Duration

23,777

Views

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Q: This course was updated on 05/26/2017. What changed?

A: A new video was added that explains how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for on-demand work.